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Race:
Gender: Male
Description:
PLANETBREAK: Protagonist Sheet
BASIC INFO
Name: Prisoner X
Player: David
Concept: Computational Neurologist/covert operative, amnesiac
STORY ARC
Issue: To recover her true identity
Screen Presence Per Episode:
E1-1SP E2-2SP E3-1SP E4-2SP E5-3SP
TRAITS
Edges:
Advanced training in espionage and combat
Memories of being a research computational neuroscientist
Connections:
Mysterious online username, MN3MO5YN3, who seems willing to help steer X away from being recaptured by the Brass Dogs and help her recover her identity.
Personal Set: A true memory of a research lab.
Nemesis: Major Brass
Fan Mail: #
BASIC INFO
Name: Prisoner X
Player: David
Concept: Computational Neurologist/covert operative, amnesiac
STORY ARC
Issue: To recover her true identity
Screen Presence Per Episode:
E1-1SP E2-2SP E3-1SP E4-2SP E5-3SP
TRAITS
Edges:
Advanced training in espionage and combat
Memories of being a research computational neuroscientist
Connections:
Mysterious online username, MN3MO5YN3, who seems willing to help steer X away from being recaptured by the Brass Dogs and help her recover her identity.
Personal Set: A true memory of a research lab.
Nemesis: Major Brass
Fan Mail: #
Background:
Ellen O'Connor remembers waking in a haze on a surgical table in her laboratory, surrounded by her staff and doctors of every kind. They test her reflexes, take blood, they won't answer her questions, and they call her 'Patient X'. She remembers other things, her life, her research for the Neuraxis Corporation in human memory digitization and transfer. She remembers a dark figure in her lab, not supposed to be there, a struggle, falling, an explosion.
Why are they calling her 'Patient X', why are they drugging her, keeping her under? Fear and instinct, not memory, take over. She struggles, she fights, she subdues...how does she know how to do that? Ellen finds her way to a shuttle she knew was there, but didn't remember. Its security measures recognize her. She escapes, she runs as far and fast as she can.
Her name is Ellen O'Connor, but in the mirror it's not Ellen's face she sees. She is not Ellen O'Connor, but Ellen is all she remembers.
That bitch Major Brass and her Dogs find her, capture her. She hates her with a passion, has she met her before? Ellen doesn't remember. 'Prisoner X' is the code she sees Brass enter as she's forced into a deep sleep cell. Who the hell is X?
Why are they calling her 'Patient X', why are they drugging her, keeping her under? Fear and instinct, not memory, take over. She struggles, she fights, she subdues...how does she know how to do that? Ellen finds her way to a shuttle she knew was there, but didn't remember. Its security measures recognize her. She escapes, she runs as far and fast as she can.
Her name is Ellen O'Connor, but in the mirror it's not Ellen's face she sees. She is not Ellen O'Connor, but Ellen is all she remembers.
That bitch Major Brass and her Dogs find her, capture her. She hates her with a passion, has she met her before? Ellen doesn't remember. 'Prisoner X' is the code she sees Brass enter as she's forced into a deep sleep cell. Who the hell is X?
Details:
X is an athletic woman in her early thirties whose economy of form and assertive stride telegraph bold confidence. Her fine cheekbones and jaw betray little but focus and determination, her blonde hair kept back from her face. The only hint of vulnerability apparent is the exhaustion in her eyes.

Race: human
Gender: Male
Class/Level: Monk/1
Background:
Xaehyd’s parents, two young wanderers in love and veritable prisoners of Ra-Khati, wanted more than anything to explore the world. They had heard of a nation where other Kara-Tur immigrants had been welcomed. They fled from their “forbidden county” and took with them a fair amount of fine gems and jewelry that was so common in their country. They were able to use it as currency to pay for much of their journey.
They followed the only road north to Khazari. From there they took to the Silk Road to the great city of Dhaztanar in Semphar, then toured through the countrysides of Murghom and Mulhorand. Finally at the Eastern edge of the Sea of Fallen Stars, world travellers by now indeed, Xaehyd’s parents purchased passage to Thesk, the nation that promised to would welcome them from Kara-Tur.
Soon after arriving they realized they would need to settle in order to raise their future child, now due to arrive in just a few short months. The stash of gems and baubles they started with was all but spent by now, but they had just enough money left to purchase a small plot of farmland that could easily support their needs with surplus to trade in Phent’s burgeoning markets. The family lived comfortably off the land.
Xaehyd was intuitive and found introspective balance in all things. He oftentimes accompanied his father on deliveries to Teflamm. Xaehyd was drawn to the serenity of Xiang Temple, where he would go while his father conducted business. Visiting the temple regularly for a couple years he eventually befriended the monks. At 8 years old the monks invited him to train with them as a student of the temple.
His parents agreed, and soon Xaehyd would stay and learn with the monks. At first durations were short, maybe a week. As time went on, he'd live and learn with the monks for lengthier stays, until they were years long. Xaehyd’s father arranged for part of his crops to go to the monastery as thanks, or payment perhaps; it didn’t matter. The monks accepted the gift of harvest.
---
Xaehyd has now studied Xiang Do for a dozen years. His parents, having acquired more farmland in those years, have just sold all their farmland in Phent to various friends and business partners, and are now retired in Nyth on a rocky outcropping along the beach of the Sea of Fallen Stars.
Family friends and business acquaintances from the market still abound in Phent and always offer a place to stay or steady work. Xaehyd’s closest friend in Teflamm is Xzar, who has grown up to be a red wizard. But Xaehyd’s home is Xiang Temple, where he will always be most welcome.
Xaehyd’s parents never spoke of their time in Kara-Tur other than to say that’s where his lineage is from; otherwise it was only hearsay to him. Perhaps he gained his parent’s lust for travel, Xaehyd feels it’s time for him to make his own way in the world, to seek his own path and destiny, whatever that may be.
They followed the only road north to Khazari. From there they took to the Silk Road to the great city of Dhaztanar in Semphar, then toured through the countrysides of Murghom and Mulhorand. Finally at the Eastern edge of the Sea of Fallen Stars, world travellers by now indeed, Xaehyd’s parents purchased passage to Thesk, the nation that promised to would welcome them from Kara-Tur.
Soon after arriving they realized they would need to settle in order to raise their future child, now due to arrive in just a few short months. The stash of gems and baubles they started with was all but spent by now, but they had just enough money left to purchase a small plot of farmland that could easily support their needs with surplus to trade in Phent’s burgeoning markets. The family lived comfortably off the land.
Xaehyd was intuitive and found introspective balance in all things. He oftentimes accompanied his father on deliveries to Teflamm. Xaehyd was drawn to the serenity of Xiang Temple, where he would go while his father conducted business. Visiting the temple regularly for a couple years he eventually befriended the monks. At 8 years old the monks invited him to train with them as a student of the temple.
His parents agreed, and soon Xaehyd would stay and learn with the monks. At first durations were short, maybe a week. As time went on, he'd live and learn with the monks for lengthier stays, until they were years long. Xaehyd’s father arranged for part of his crops to go to the monastery as thanks, or payment perhaps; it didn’t matter. The monks accepted the gift of harvest.
---
Xaehyd has now studied Xiang Do for a dozen years. His parents, having acquired more farmland in those years, have just sold all their farmland in Phent to various friends and business partners, and are now retired in Nyth on a rocky outcropping along the beach of the Sea of Fallen Stars.
Family friends and business acquaintances from the market still abound in Phent and always offer a place to stay or steady work. Xaehyd’s closest friend in Teflamm is Xzar, who has grown up to be a red wizard. But Xaehyd’s home is Xiang Temple, where he will always be most welcome.
Xaehyd’s parents never spoke of their time in Kara-Tur other than to say that’s where his lineage is from; otherwise it was only hearsay to him. Perhaps he gained his parent’s lust for travel, Xaehyd feels it’s time for him to make his own way in the world, to seek his own path and destiny, whatever that may be.

"i am straight edge. vegan for life. haha"
Race: human
Gender: Male
Role: Defender
Class/Level: jedi/1/2
Description:
A 5'6" human, of medium build. Displays an even temperament in most situations.
Background:
Alrek was born on corellia, growing up with his younger brother, Talmek, until he was taken by the jedi for training at the temple on coruscant. Alrek, always displaying a minor connection to the force, was deemed too old by the time they discovered his force adeptness. He continued to try and hone his connection to the force, often receiving advice and help from Talmek in their infrequent missives. When Palpatine took control of the galactic republic and enacted order 66, the first steps in galvanizing the oppressive empire, Talmek was one of the padawan learners killed at the jedi temple. Alrek declared that he would fight against the oppression and brutality of the empire until his dying day, in honor of Talmek. He also decided to follow the jedi path, in the face of utter repression against all jedi, or force wielders of any kind...if only to one day possibly find traces of Talmek within the living force itself.

"I swear by my lance, I will smite thee!"
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Role: Leader
Class: Pal 5 / Drg 7
Details:
STATISTICS
Str 23 Dex 17 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha 21
AC 29 Touch 16 Flat Foot 26
Fort 20 Ref 20 Will 20
BAB +12/+7/+2 CMB 18 CMD 31
Str 23 Dex 17 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha 21
AC 29 Touch 16 Flat Foot 26
Fort 20 Ref 20 Will 20
BAB +12/+7/+2 CMB 18 CMD 31

"I'll kill you!"
Race: Half-Minotaur
Gender: Male
Class/Level: Barbarian/26

"If at first you don't succeed, slash it, stab it, and bash it again."
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Class/Level: Fighter/1
Background:
This is about the beginning of the end of my life as I had known it. I was only a few months from my 16th birthday when as always the summer festival began. Each year at this time people both commoners and nobles would begin to arrive for the week long festival my family held on our estate. Through the day food contests for best pie, jams, stews, etc. occurred. The food from the winners would be served at the feast held on the first night of the festival. Each day would have contests, entertainers, and foods from many different lands available. I always looked forward to the opening feast.
It was now dark as I proceeded into the great hall for the feast. As I walked in and looked around I could see my father and mother at the end of the great table. I made my way toward the long side table filled with food to get a plate with a sample of all the incredible food. As I neared the end of the line Professor Lorrimor grabbed my arm. He then quietly told me he needed to show me something that couldn't wait. Just before we entered the kitchen the professor said loudly, "It's a special dessert you just must try". I looked around asking, "A dessert? Really?" The professor cut me short, and dragged me over to the door to the pantry in the cellar. I wondered what would the dessert be doing down here? Just then I could here shouts and screams. The professor forced me on down and closed the door behind. The cellar was lit with magical torches at all times. He said, "Hush young master! You maybe in peril so I am trying to get you to safety!"
The professor moved over to a set of shelves against the wall, reached in moving something, and the wall swung open. He said, "Quickly now we need to reach the safe room before they start searching for us." The concealed door opened into the main cellar room below the great feat hall. We moved through the center door down a hall with several doors on either side. He opened the second door from the end on the right. He mumbled something and there was a ball of light floating before us. He went to the wall and mumbled some more words before pressing one of the stones on the wall. The wall slide aside revealing a large room beyond. We entered and the door closed behind.
Once the door closed the room lit up, but there was no visible source. There were a number of bunks, backpacks, and various other supplies on selves around the room, enough for a dozen people. I was wondering exactly what was going on when he said, “ Now listen up Xan. I know you've noticed the warriors streaming into the estate for the past several days. First, they are not a clan come to join in the summer festival. They're mercenaries come to kill your family, or possible one or more of the noble families here. There were more than a two dozen in the feast hall when I brought you down here. There are also more than a hundred on the estate. I pointed this out to your father. He decided if things looked bad to me to get you and your brother out along with anyone else I could. I couldn't find your brother so I was left with bringing you down here to the safe room.â€
I thought for a moment as to where my brother might be and said, “I think he would be down by the river watching some of the young maidens performing some type of ceremonial bathing.†The professor said, “Hmmm, and how did he chance upon this?†I said, “I guess that would be from me? Wait he might still be alive down by the river. We have to go get him.†The professor said, “First, get your armor on, it is on the floor over there.†He pointed near one of the bunks. I said, “We don't have time for that if they're searching the grounds they may have found him.†The professor said, “Not till you have your armor on in case you need to fight. Not to worry I have a spell that will speed up the process.†With a gesture and a few words my armor was on and we were ready to go. The professor gestured and mumbled some words and a door in the wall opened revealing a long passage. I grabbed my sword and followed him down the winding passage. Finally, we came to a stop and once more the professor gestured and mumbled. Before he pressed a stone in the wall he said, “Now be quite in case there are any mercenaries nearby.†I nodded and he opened the door.
Just a few yards away I could see the river. The moon was full in the cloudless sky. A scream came from down the river, then the sound of a girl pleading. I moved by the professor towards the sound. I moved quickly, but I didn't run as I wanted to see what I was up against. As I rounded the bend I saw a nude girl face down on the water's edge. I couldn't see if she was still breathing. I could hear another sobbing to my right. She was on all fours naked with one of the warriors on his knees behind her. His armor and sword were lying on the ground a few yards away. My brother charged out from the shrubs with dagger in hand. Before the warrior could react to my brother the dagger was plunged into his neck near the shoulder. He cried out for help. Sounds of metal clanging from armor could be heard coming closer. I moved up sword ready announcing my presence to my brother. I took up a position to the right of my brother waiting to strike at whomever came into the clearing. A few seconds later as I saw a shadow of a man moving forward I made a furious attack with my great sword cutting him down. As I did I heard the crackling sound of lightning, and saw a flash of light from behind me. I turned to see a man all in black lying on the ground. The professor had blasted him just before he would have knifed me. The professor said, “I saved you boy from that assassin. You owe me now. Don't worry about it, but one day I'll ask for a favor in return.â€
The professor said, “Come on we need to get out of here in case any others show up.†The young woman stood up looking around saw here companion by the river's edge. She ran to her made some gestures and then leaned over her. She rolled her over, and then jumped up and ran over to a pile of cloths rummaging through them. She pulled something out and ran back to her friend. She gestured and mumbled something. The girl took in a deep breath and exhaled. She was alive my brother grabbed the cloths and the dead warriors sword. Not taking time to let either dress we hurried back to the escape tunnel. We moved back to the safe room for the night. The young woman it turns out was both a seamstress here on the Dor Ae estate and secretly a witch. She indicated that her companion was a student witch of hers. She had used what spells she had to save her. Now she used some of her healing skills to further heal the young girl. In the morning she would prepare more healing spells.
None of us slept well that night. In the morning at first light the ceiling began to glow to let us know morning had come. We got up and dressed, then quickly ate some trail rations. We each took a readied backpack and wineskin. I told everyone once we crossed the river just upstream I would lead them to the druid's home deep in the forest. A path would open up to me magicked by the druid to lead friends lost or seeking her. It only took an hour to reach her home. Her home was a small cottage in a meadow. A garden was next to her home which contained both vegetables and herbs. As we approached a tree nearby began to move, it's trunk parting and forming legs. I greeted him and introduced my companions explaining we were fleeing trouble. He indicated that his mistress the druid was currently away, but would relay a message I may have to give her. We entered her small cottage. As I had expected they all gasped as we entered including my brother which had not yet been here.
The cottage you see as small as it seems is build next to a large hill and the druid's home actually extends through a large portion of that hill. The cottage itself is but the entry hall for her home. I told them there was plenty of room, just don't open the door over there. That leads to her personal rooms where she sleeps and studies. The other rooms are storage and guest rooms. After cleaning up and eating a nice hot meal. I suggested the two witches remain here as guests if that should be okay with the druid. I would ask the treant to ask her permission. This would give them a safe place to stay and heal up. The druid had been my teacher for a month each year for the past several years. My father felt it would be good for his sons to learn a variety of things so as to not be too ignorant of the world. I learned from the druid only bits and pieces, but mostly how to speak sylvan, survival skills and climbing skills. This summer my brother would have started learning from the druid, but not now that everyone was possible dead. I would ask the treant if he would ask some animals to see if my family and servants lived.
The next day we prepared to leave following another path the druid had made for me that lead several weeks travel toward a town my mother's sister and family lived. The treant brought word that the two witches could stay. He also brought word that only strange men in armor walked about the estate. All others were dead. So that was that the professor, my brother, and I would head to seek refuge with my aunt and uncle. The path crossed or neared streams and ponds giving us both water and fresh fish. It also conveniently came to good locations to spend the night. The path was magical and had only the start and end points as fixed. This is what the druid had told me. It would shift and turn at the need of those which walked along the path.
The journey lasted several weeks without incident. We arrived near the town my relatives lived. My last visit was about two years ago. It was in celebration of my cousin's birth. Living in the main house are my aunt, uncle, 3 cousins, and a number of servants. There were if I remember correctly 3 or 4 guest rooms. They live in a large house at the edge of town. It has a large stable, blacksmith, and barracks for more than a dozen personal guards. Their estate is one of the largest in town. They also control a fair size of land which is farmed by a number of families. I certainly hope they don't mind taking in me and my brother. Our arrival was not expected, but my aunt was over joyed at seeing us. I introduced the professor and told her as soon as uncle was present I would tell them our tale of coming to be here. She informed a servant there would be 3 more for dinner and to have rooms prepared. We were then escorted to the bathhouse to get cleaned up from our journey.
Later that evening when my uncle returned home I had a private talk with my aunt and uncle. It was just the three of us, plus the professor. They were both quite shocked at the news of my parents' death, but also of everyone at the festival. My uncle said, “If this is all true, then they may still be looking for the three of you. You and your brother will change your names while you stay with us. You'll take my last name, and we'll say you are relatives from the poor side of the family come to live with us to lessen your parent's burden. The servants and your cousins will be informed of this. None are to know who you three really are, so professor you also will have your name changed while here. You are their tutor and guardian while they traveled here.†It was decided that the professor would remain a few weeks to teach both the older cousins 14 and 12 years of age to give some credence to the story. The next day just the family would hold prays for those that had died. We didn't want news to come about the massacre from us.
After several weeks the professor left for his home. Another month went by and I received word from the druid on the situation at the Dor Ae estate. Word came by crow which flew into my room through the window one evening. When I went to shoo the bird out the window the druid's voice began speaking. She had her animal friends observing and listening to the men around the estate. They had been there for more than a month looking for me. Everyone else was killed to cover up the fact that someone wanted me dead. She didn't find out who wanted me dead or why they wanted me dead. They finally left, but left a dozen assassins to remain until they had killed me on my return, or until word was sent for them to leave. The rest of the mercenaries would continue to look for me elsewhere. I relaid what the druid said through the crow to my aunt and uncle. They were concerned and had hoped that there was some other reason for the attack. They told me it was unlikely they would find me here, but they may check all friends and family. I was to remain on the estate, continue my arms training with the sword master they had hired to train my cousins. They also had a wizard which taught us many things. I learned to speak the draconian language and knowledge of dungeoneering from him. Nearly a year went by without anything more note worthy.
I was now 17, well trained as a fighter, and would soon start training to be lieutenant of the house guards. I was in my room cleaning my equipment. My great sword was resting lengthwise down my bed. I had just finished sharping and was apply some oil to my sword when I heard a noise outside my door. My room was at the end of the hall so the only reason to be near my door was to come see me. I paused listening for the knock on my door, but rather the door suddenly flew open and a dark clad figured burst into the room. I tilted my sword up couple of feet as the figure leaped over the end my my bed at me with a weapon in hand. He landed impaling himself on my sword. Just like that he was dead. He apparently had not expected me to be armed so late at night, and had not in his haste noticed I was hold a blade. I cried out, “Uncle! Guards! Somebody I could use some help!†There may be others about the house and the grounds I thought to myself.
No other assassin's were found after several sweeps of both the house and grounds. Uncle and a few guards secretly took the body of the assassin some distance away. They staged what looked like a fight leaving the assassin dead. It was near a road that was used infrequently giving good reason as to why no one would immediate notice, but would sooner than later find the body. The guards took double shifts just in case for a week, but there were no more intruders. A letter for me arrived a few days after things began to return to normal. It was about the professor. He was dead and I was in his will. I told my aunt and uncle about the professor and the will. I spent a few days getting my stuff together. I purchased a map with directions to his home, said my farewells, and was off on my first adventure alone. Would it be an adventure or just a boring trip. Would I meet some new friends or find new enemies. Time to move out and see for myself what was awaiting me. Some day I would return to reclaim the Dor Ae estate.
Background written by Thomas A. King, 2011 for Pathfinder's Carrion Crown Campaign.
It was now dark as I proceeded into the great hall for the feast. As I walked in and looked around I could see my father and mother at the end of the great table. I made my way toward the long side table filled with food to get a plate with a sample of all the incredible food. As I neared the end of the line Professor Lorrimor grabbed my arm. He then quietly told me he needed to show me something that couldn't wait. Just before we entered the kitchen the professor said loudly, "It's a special dessert you just must try". I looked around asking, "A dessert? Really?" The professor cut me short, and dragged me over to the door to the pantry in the cellar. I wondered what would the dessert be doing down here? Just then I could here shouts and screams. The professor forced me on down and closed the door behind. The cellar was lit with magical torches at all times. He said, "Hush young master! You maybe in peril so I am trying to get you to safety!"
The professor moved over to a set of shelves against the wall, reached in moving something, and the wall swung open. He said, "Quickly now we need to reach the safe room before they start searching for us." The concealed door opened into the main cellar room below the great feat hall. We moved through the center door down a hall with several doors on either side. He opened the second door from the end on the right. He mumbled something and there was a ball of light floating before us. He went to the wall and mumbled some more words before pressing one of the stones on the wall. The wall slide aside revealing a large room beyond. We entered and the door closed behind.
Once the door closed the room lit up, but there was no visible source. There were a number of bunks, backpacks, and various other supplies on selves around the room, enough for a dozen people. I was wondering exactly what was going on when he said, “ Now listen up Xan. I know you've noticed the warriors streaming into the estate for the past several days. First, they are not a clan come to join in the summer festival. They're mercenaries come to kill your family, or possible one or more of the noble families here. There were more than a two dozen in the feast hall when I brought you down here. There are also more than a hundred on the estate. I pointed this out to your father. He decided if things looked bad to me to get you and your brother out along with anyone else I could. I couldn't find your brother so I was left with bringing you down here to the safe room.â€
I thought for a moment as to where my brother might be and said, “I think he would be down by the river watching some of the young maidens performing some type of ceremonial bathing.†The professor said, “Hmmm, and how did he chance upon this?†I said, “I guess that would be from me? Wait he might still be alive down by the river. We have to go get him.†The professor said, “First, get your armor on, it is on the floor over there.†He pointed near one of the bunks. I said, “We don't have time for that if they're searching the grounds they may have found him.†The professor said, “Not till you have your armor on in case you need to fight. Not to worry I have a spell that will speed up the process.†With a gesture and a few words my armor was on and we were ready to go. The professor gestured and mumbled some words and a door in the wall opened revealing a long passage. I grabbed my sword and followed him down the winding passage. Finally, we came to a stop and once more the professor gestured and mumbled. Before he pressed a stone in the wall he said, “Now be quite in case there are any mercenaries nearby.†I nodded and he opened the door.
Just a few yards away I could see the river. The moon was full in the cloudless sky. A scream came from down the river, then the sound of a girl pleading. I moved by the professor towards the sound. I moved quickly, but I didn't run as I wanted to see what I was up against. As I rounded the bend I saw a nude girl face down on the water's edge. I couldn't see if she was still breathing. I could hear another sobbing to my right. She was on all fours naked with one of the warriors on his knees behind her. His armor and sword were lying on the ground a few yards away. My brother charged out from the shrubs with dagger in hand. Before the warrior could react to my brother the dagger was plunged into his neck near the shoulder. He cried out for help. Sounds of metal clanging from armor could be heard coming closer. I moved up sword ready announcing my presence to my brother. I took up a position to the right of my brother waiting to strike at whomever came into the clearing. A few seconds later as I saw a shadow of a man moving forward I made a furious attack with my great sword cutting him down. As I did I heard the crackling sound of lightning, and saw a flash of light from behind me. I turned to see a man all in black lying on the ground. The professor had blasted him just before he would have knifed me. The professor said, “I saved you boy from that assassin. You owe me now. Don't worry about it, but one day I'll ask for a favor in return.â€
The professor said, “Come on we need to get out of here in case any others show up.†The young woman stood up looking around saw here companion by the river's edge. She ran to her made some gestures and then leaned over her. She rolled her over, and then jumped up and ran over to a pile of cloths rummaging through them. She pulled something out and ran back to her friend. She gestured and mumbled something. The girl took in a deep breath and exhaled. She was alive my brother grabbed the cloths and the dead warriors sword. Not taking time to let either dress we hurried back to the escape tunnel. We moved back to the safe room for the night. The young woman it turns out was both a seamstress here on the Dor Ae estate and secretly a witch. She indicated that her companion was a student witch of hers. She had used what spells she had to save her. Now she used some of her healing skills to further heal the young girl. In the morning she would prepare more healing spells.
None of us slept well that night. In the morning at first light the ceiling began to glow to let us know morning had come. We got up and dressed, then quickly ate some trail rations. We each took a readied backpack and wineskin. I told everyone once we crossed the river just upstream I would lead them to the druid's home deep in the forest. A path would open up to me magicked by the druid to lead friends lost or seeking her. It only took an hour to reach her home. Her home was a small cottage in a meadow. A garden was next to her home which contained both vegetables and herbs. As we approached a tree nearby began to move, it's trunk parting and forming legs. I greeted him and introduced my companions explaining we were fleeing trouble. He indicated that his mistress the druid was currently away, but would relay a message I may have to give her. We entered her small cottage. As I had expected they all gasped as we entered including my brother which had not yet been here.
The cottage you see as small as it seems is build next to a large hill and the druid's home actually extends through a large portion of that hill. The cottage itself is but the entry hall for her home. I told them there was plenty of room, just don't open the door over there. That leads to her personal rooms where she sleeps and studies. The other rooms are storage and guest rooms. After cleaning up and eating a nice hot meal. I suggested the two witches remain here as guests if that should be okay with the druid. I would ask the treant to ask her permission. This would give them a safe place to stay and heal up. The druid had been my teacher for a month each year for the past several years. My father felt it would be good for his sons to learn a variety of things so as to not be too ignorant of the world. I learned from the druid only bits and pieces, but mostly how to speak sylvan, survival skills and climbing skills. This summer my brother would have started learning from the druid, but not now that everyone was possible dead. I would ask the treant if he would ask some animals to see if my family and servants lived.
The next day we prepared to leave following another path the druid had made for me that lead several weeks travel toward a town my mother's sister and family lived. The treant brought word that the two witches could stay. He also brought word that only strange men in armor walked about the estate. All others were dead. So that was that the professor, my brother, and I would head to seek refuge with my aunt and uncle. The path crossed or neared streams and ponds giving us both water and fresh fish. It also conveniently came to good locations to spend the night. The path was magical and had only the start and end points as fixed. This is what the druid had told me. It would shift and turn at the need of those which walked along the path.
The journey lasted several weeks without incident. We arrived near the town my relatives lived. My last visit was about two years ago. It was in celebration of my cousin's birth. Living in the main house are my aunt, uncle, 3 cousins, and a number of servants. There were if I remember correctly 3 or 4 guest rooms. They live in a large house at the edge of town. It has a large stable, blacksmith, and barracks for more than a dozen personal guards. Their estate is one of the largest in town. They also control a fair size of land which is farmed by a number of families. I certainly hope they don't mind taking in me and my brother. Our arrival was not expected, but my aunt was over joyed at seeing us. I introduced the professor and told her as soon as uncle was present I would tell them our tale of coming to be here. She informed a servant there would be 3 more for dinner and to have rooms prepared. We were then escorted to the bathhouse to get cleaned up from our journey.
Later that evening when my uncle returned home I had a private talk with my aunt and uncle. It was just the three of us, plus the professor. They were both quite shocked at the news of my parents' death, but also of everyone at the festival. My uncle said, “If this is all true, then they may still be looking for the three of you. You and your brother will change your names while you stay with us. You'll take my last name, and we'll say you are relatives from the poor side of the family come to live with us to lessen your parent's burden. The servants and your cousins will be informed of this. None are to know who you three really are, so professor you also will have your name changed while here. You are their tutor and guardian while they traveled here.†It was decided that the professor would remain a few weeks to teach both the older cousins 14 and 12 years of age to give some credence to the story. The next day just the family would hold prays for those that had died. We didn't want news to come about the massacre from us.
After several weeks the professor left for his home. Another month went by and I received word from the druid on the situation at the Dor Ae estate. Word came by crow which flew into my room through the window one evening. When I went to shoo the bird out the window the druid's voice began speaking. She had her animal friends observing and listening to the men around the estate. They had been there for more than a month looking for me. Everyone else was killed to cover up the fact that someone wanted me dead. She didn't find out who wanted me dead or why they wanted me dead. They finally left, but left a dozen assassins to remain until they had killed me on my return, or until word was sent for them to leave. The rest of the mercenaries would continue to look for me elsewhere. I relaid what the druid said through the crow to my aunt and uncle. They were concerned and had hoped that there was some other reason for the attack. They told me it was unlikely they would find me here, but they may check all friends and family. I was to remain on the estate, continue my arms training with the sword master they had hired to train my cousins. They also had a wizard which taught us many things. I learned to speak the draconian language and knowledge of dungeoneering from him. Nearly a year went by without anything more note worthy.
I was now 17, well trained as a fighter, and would soon start training to be lieutenant of the house guards. I was in my room cleaning my equipment. My great sword was resting lengthwise down my bed. I had just finished sharping and was apply some oil to my sword when I heard a noise outside my door. My room was at the end of the hall so the only reason to be near my door was to come see me. I paused listening for the knock on my door, but rather the door suddenly flew open and a dark clad figured burst into the room. I tilted my sword up couple of feet as the figure leaped over the end my my bed at me with a weapon in hand. He landed impaling himself on my sword. Just like that he was dead. He apparently had not expected me to be armed so late at night, and had not in his haste noticed I was hold a blade. I cried out, “Uncle! Guards! Somebody I could use some help!†There may be others about the house and the grounds I thought to myself.
No other assassin's were found after several sweeps of both the house and grounds. Uncle and a few guards secretly took the body of the assassin some distance away. They staged what looked like a fight leaving the assassin dead. It was near a road that was used infrequently giving good reason as to why no one would immediate notice, but would sooner than later find the body. The guards took double shifts just in case for a week, but there were no more intruders. A letter for me arrived a few days after things began to return to normal. It was about the professor. He was dead and I was in his will. I told my aunt and uncle about the professor and the will. I spent a few days getting my stuff together. I purchased a map with directions to his home, said my farewells, and was off on my first adventure alone. Would it be an adventure or just a boring trip. Would I meet some new friends or find new enemies. Time to move out and see for myself what was awaiting me. Some day I would return to reclaim the Dor Ae estate.
Background written by Thomas A. King, 2011 for Pathfinder's Carrion Crown Campaign.
Details:
STR 18, CON 14, DEX 14, INT 14, WIS 9, CHA 7